FAQs
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Frequently asked questions
Read answers to some common questions that people living with acromegaly have asked.
What is acromegaly and what causes it?
Answer 1
Acromegaly is a hormonal or endocrine disorder that is characterized by enlarged physical features such as a protruding brow, enlarged lips, an exaggerated jawline, and larger than normal hands and feet.
Answer 2
Acromegaly is caused by a benign tumour in the pituitary gland, which is a small pea-like structure at the base of the brain.
The presence of the tumour in the pituitary gland leads to the overproduction of growth hormone in the body, which in turn leads to physical symptoms such as heavy or prominent facial features, hands and feet.
Answer 3
Acromegaly is not the same as gigantism. These are separate conditions. Acromegaly occurs in adults and gigantism occurs in children.
Answer 1
Acromegaly is a hormonal or endocrine disorder that is characterized by enlarged physical features such as a protruding brow, enlarged lips, an exaggerated jawline, and larger than normal hands and feet.
Answer 2
Acromegaly is caused by a benign tumour in the pituitary gland, which is a small pea-like structure at the base of the brain.
The presence of the tumour in the pituitary gland leads to the overproduction of growth hormone in the body, which in turn leads to physical symptoms such as heavy or prominent facial features, hands and feet.
Answer 3
Acromegaly is not the same as gigantism. These are separate conditions. Acromegaly occurs in adults and gigantism occurs in children.
How common is acromegaly, who gets it and at what age?
Answer 1
Worldwide, it has been estimated that there are only around 3 to 4 people per million people in the general population newly diagnosed with acromegaly each year.
Answer 2
It is unlikely that other family members will have acromegaly or that it will be passed on to your children.
Answer 3
The average age of diagnosis is the early to mid 40s.
What are the symptoms of acromegaly?
Answer 1
The symptoms of acromegaly vary from person to person but may include heavy or prominent facial features, enlarged hands (e.g., rings not fitting) and enlarged feet (e.g., shoes not fitting), among many others. Such symptoms may appear gradually and thus be difficult to spot.
Answer 2
Acromegaly can affect eyesight. However, problems with vision caused by the benign pituitary tumour pressing on the optic nerve can improve with surgery to remove the tumour.
Who will diagnose me?
Answer
An endocrinologist usually confirms a diagnosis of acromegaly. If you think you could have acromegaly symptoms, please go to your usual doctor who should refer you to an endocrinologist.
Why is the diagnosis of acromegaly delayed and can acromegaly or its effects be prevented?
Answer 1
The diagnosis of acromegaly is often delayed as the symptoms develop gradually. It is not uncommon for people to remain undiagnosed for several years, up to 10 years in some cases.
Answer 2
Acromegaly itself cannot be prevented but it can be treated.
Answer 3
Acromegaly is associated with several other health issues, such as diabetes and heart problems, which your doctor may also treat with additional therapies.
How is acromegaly treated?
Answer
Acromegaly treatments include surgery, medications and radiotherapy.
Can I still travel and go on holiday if I have acromegaly?
Answer
While everyone’s experience is unique, having acromegaly should hopefully not make any difference in your ability to travel.
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